how to choose whether to transfer your domain to WordPress or link it

  • Unknown's avatar
    sandylevi2213 · Member ·

    hi, I’m new to WordPress and trying to create my website here. I bought my domain name recently and now WordPress is asking me whether I want to transfer it here or link my site to it. I don’t understand what the difference is or what possible advantages or disadvantages there are of each option. Could anyone help? Thanks in advance!

    I don’t have a site with WordPress.com yet

  • Unknown's avatar
    nickjkam · Member ·

    Hi there,

    The main difference is between where the domain is paid for and where the settings are. If you keep your domain with your current registrar, you’ll pay for it and update the settings there. If your domain is eligible to transfer, then you’d pay the renewal fees and all of the domain settings would be on WordPress.com.

    It is faster to connect your domain to your site (it can take up to 72 hours to connect), since you don’t have to wait for the transfer process to complete (which can take five to seven days).

    You mentioned your domain was registered recently. One thing to note is domains can only be transferred if they are 60 days or older. If it’s less than 60 days old, then connecting your domain might be the best option for you! You can find a guide below that compares the two options with steps to complete either option:

    https://wordpress.com/support/domain-connection-vs-domain-transfer/

    I hope this helps!

  • Unknown's avatar
    sandylevi2213 · Member ·

    Thanks very much for the response. I tried to connect it and changed the name servers as indicated in the guide. However, I then realised that my email was no longer working and I didn’t know how to “connect” that too so had to revert back to the original name servers to be able to receive emails again. Can anyone explain why this happens and what I need to do about it? Thanks again!

  • staff-sheva · Staff ·

    Hi @sandylevi2213,

    When you change your nameservers to point to WordPress.com, it means that you’re managing your DNS records here as well. In this case, you would need to add the necessary records for your email to continue working, as outlined here: https://wordpress.com/support/add-email/#other-email-providers

    You can alsoconnect your domain using A Records, which I can outline further — I would just need you to share your URL with us.

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